Vietnam's Le Van Cong wins gold in men's -49kg powerlifting at Rio Paralympics

Friday, September 9, 2016 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Powerlifting started yesterday at the 2016 Summer Paralympics with Vietnam's Le Van Cong winning gold after setting a pair of Paralympic records and a new world record of 183kg. Jordan's Omar Qarada claimed silver. Hungary's Nandor Tunkel claimed bronze with a best lift of 155kg.

Qarada traded Paralympic records with Cong in the event, with Cong setting the first at 175kg. Qarada answered back with his own record at 177kg. Cong then lifted 181kg on his third attempt. Cong was given a fourth attempt, where he set a new Paralympic and World record.

The event also featured Togo's Aliou Bawa. His appearance marks the first time Togo has participated at the Paralympic Games. He leaves Rio without making a single successful lift despite three attempts at 113kg, the lightest attempt of any lifter in the class.

South Korean powerlifter Keunjin Choi before his third unsuccessful lift attempt
Image: Laura Hale.

French powerlifter Patrick Ardon about to attempt a lift at the Rio Games
Image: Laura Hale.

Jordan's Omar Qarada tries for his second attempt and a Paralympic record at the Rio Games
Image: Laura Hale.

Laos Paralympian Pia had trouble with his lifts at the Rio Games
Image: Laura Hale.

Togo's Aliou Bawa had trouble with his lifts at the Rio Games
Image: Laura Hale.

India's Farman Basha readies himself before taking a lift at the 2016 Games
Image: Laura Hale.

India's Farman Basha wobbles on his unsuccessful second lift
Image: Laura Hale.

Vietnam's Le Van Cong celebrates after setting a Paralympic and world record
Image: Laura Hale.

Jordan's Omar Qarada during his third and final lift at the Rio Games
Image: Laura Hale.

Vietnam's Le Van Cong with his gold medal
Image: Laura Hale.

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